Mill Reef Stakes shaping up nicely Royal Ascot winners Washington DC and Buratino feature among 34 entries for the Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on September 19. The pair clashed at the Curragh last month when finishing second and third in the Group One Phoenix Stakes and Aidan O'Brien's charge could bid to confirm that form and enhance his already impressive record. Mark Johnston's Buratino is one of eight possibles for the Middleham handler in the Group Two contest with smart filly Lumiere and Monday's Ripon Listed winner Whitman also among his squad. William Haggas has some smart juveniles this term and advertised the fact by saddling the first and third in the Gimcrack with Aj aya and Raucous. Both of those have the option, along with Tasleet. "We were thrilled with Raucous in the Gimcrack," said Harry Herbert, manager for the colt's owner Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. "He ran very well to finish third, despite breaking slowly and being a bit green, and I definitely thought he was one of those to take out of the race. "We may go for the Mill Reef Stakes next with him or the other option is to step up to seven furlongs for the Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket (September 24). We haven't decided yet if we should stick to six or go up, but he is very progressive and we rate him highly." Richard Fahey has entered Gimcrack second Ribchester and Super Sprint winner Lathom with Richard Hannon able to chose between Gutaifan and King Of Rooks
